Spring Equinox Procession -- page 4

{Travel to Shrine of Demeter}

[Shrine of Demeter]
The shrine is a small and simple one, built by the well-respected mill owner for himself and his family. Some of the more devout mill workers worship here also. Light from the large, open doorway highlights the plain statue of Demeter fashioned from kiln-fired clay. Her wooden throne is painted green and carved with ears of barley. A small bouquet of fresh, red-flowered poppies lies in her lap.
Also here: Apollonius, Areseon, Angulus, Heartsong, Maerrie, Aleister, Lindy, Posidea, Hyzenthlay, Scheherazade, Trinta, Cydara, Phalo, Greymar, Llorien, Gabit, Skorche, Jessaka and Goldenmane.
Obvious exits: out.
>Becca gazes around at her surroundings.
>Becca smiles at Greymar.
>Becca says, "When I was a child, I learned this story. The Mothers told it to call the blessing of Demeter to my mind. May it call the blessings of Demeter to your minds as well."
>Becca kneels down.
>Becca removes a loaf of wheat bread from her jade green sack.
>Becca raises her wheat bread high above her head!
>Becca sings:

"Demeter, all Hail!
Nurse of many, giver of full measure!"

>Becca says, "This is the story of Demeter, Persephone and of the coming of Spring. You all know this tale, so my telling is more of the happenings in Demeter's heart, as told to me by the Mothers."
>Becca says, "One summery day, Persephone was gathering the flowers of the field. Persephone was innocent and fair and too young to worry of men. That was how it should have been. But as Persephone was plucking flowers, the earth opened up around her and Hades carried her away to the Underworld."
>Becca says, "The cries of Persephone echoed in Blessed Demeter's heart, and though Demeter was a Goddess yet none of the earth could tell her what had happened to her daughter. The Gods themselves were unable to help Demeter."
>Becca says, "And so, in grief and rage, torn in heart and soul, Demeter turned her back on the Gods and Men."
>(Becca savagely rips the loaf of bread she is holding into two ragged halves! With a terrible keening wail she collapses, slumping forward on her knees.)
>(Becca straightens slowly, and with unsteady hands methodically tears and crumbles her bread, allowing the destroyed remnants to fall into the jade green sack open by her lap.)
>Becca says, "The earth withered in despair, wilting and dying at Demeter's grieving steps. Great Olympus itself fell silent from shame."
>Becca says, "Finally, wrapped in the guise of an old woman, Demeter sat herself upon a stone and would no doubt have turned to stone herself but for a small touch of kindness."
>(Becca gazes at her hands, as if in surpise to see her loaf of bread crumbled and destroyed.)
>Becca tosses aside her bread.
>Becca says, "A young girl saw Demeter sitting in the shadows, lost in sorrow. By awful fate, the girl's family was itself seeped in terrible grief. The girl knew that soon her young brother would be dead of fever."
>Becca says, "Yet despite her own grief, the girl recognized the despair in the old Lady's heart, and offered her the comfort of a few kind words. The Father of the girl then saw the old Lady also, and reaching past the bleakness of his pain, he offered her a place with them."
>Becca says, "Not a happy place, or a place of solutions, but one of sharing the grief that we all must bear."
>Becca says, "This kindness fell upon Demeter's withered heart like the the first soft rain of spring, and so She went with the man and his daughter to their home."
>Becca says, "While nothing could really touch Demeter's grief, she was a still a Goddess. The pain of the family was so much like her own and yet.. it was something that she could solve. And so, she took up the small sick boy that she found and cured him of his disease."
>Becca sings:

"Demeter, all Hail!
Nurse of many, giver of full measure!"

>Becca says, "The healing had begun. Zeus was feeling pretty shameful of the plots of the Gods, and so in the end Persephone was allowed to return to Demeter's side. By trickery, Persephone did have to return to Hades for part of each year, and so we now have Winter."
>Becca exclaims, "What matters here are the blessings of Demeter, for when Persephone returned to her Mother, the barren earth burst into flower! The world and mankind, and the heart of Demeter, were renewed in joyous spring!"
>Becca says, "This lesson that Demeter endured for us continues. The world turns it's cycle of growth and withering and death, and we all must wait through long winters for renewal."
>Becca sings:

"Hail Goddess! Keep all this city safe in prosperity and abundance.
Bring in the harvest,
Nourish peace also, so that he who sows may reap.
Have mercy on me thrice-prayed to Queen.

Demeter, all Hail!
Nurse of many, giver of full measure!"

>Becca says, "Let the kindness and hope of Demeter's story touch your hearts. May it guide your kindness to others. May you allow the small comforts offered to you by others to grow within your heart."
>Becca removes a loaf of wheat bread from her jade green sack.
>Becca raises her wheat bread high above her head!
>Becca utters a few quiet prayers.
>Becca stands up.
>(Becca quietly goes to take her place in the crowd.)
>Demeter smiles and says, "This is my favorite time of the year. Thank you for honoring me."
>Becca offers a loaf of wheat bread to Demeter, placing the bread on the ground.
>Becca utters a few quiet prayers.

{Travel to Athens, Rose Garden}

[Athens, Rose Garden]
Rosebushes drooping beneath a fragrant burden of creamy white blossoms surround a plot of soft grass which supports a statue of the goddess Persephone. There is an almost ethereal quality about the small statue which has been carved from a block of transluscent pink quartz. The young goddess stands with one hand held up at the height of her waist, a brass pomegranate resting in the palm, while the other hand is raised in cupped position toward the sky. You also see an opening in the hedgerow that encircles the garden.
Also here: Apollonius, Areseon, Angulus, Heartsong, Maerrie, Aleister, Lindy, Posidea, Hyzenthlay, Scheherazade, Trinta, Cydara, Phalo, Greymar, Llorien, Gabit, Skorche, Jessaka, Udranna, Pickoer, Gimli, Ingonish, Swifthawk and Goldenmane.
Obvious paths: none.
>(Angulus walks up to the alter)
>Angulus says, "for those not familiar, in this recitation, Persephone will be refered to as Kore in the early parts"
>Angulus kneels down.
>Angulus says, "I ask your blessing, Persephone upon this gathering."
>Angulus utters a few quiet prayers.
>Angulus stands up.
>(Angulus turns to the citizens of Athens)
>Angulus recites:

"Long, long ago, there was no winter.
Summer ruled the Earth as Mother Demeter watched lovingly over her daughter Kore. "

>Angulus recites:

"All people knew her and loved her as the Grain Mother.
There was no hunger and no one was ever cold. "

>Angulus recites:

"Kore ran in the fields of the earth safe under her mother's loving eye.
And for a long, long time She knew no other world."

>Angulus recites:

"But all things change, and so did Kore.
She felt something within her,
An urge to know more, to grow. "

>Angulus recites:

"And so she approached the cave
That led to the Underworld."

Angulus recites:

"When she came to the Underworld,Kore found a mirror.
She looked within, and saw herself, yet not the child she knew."

>Angulus recites:

"She saw an old woman,
With a lined face and silver hair,
Who looked at her with knowledge in her eyes. "

>Angulus recites:

"And the old woman said,"Kore, you must change.
all things must change.
You must look within and know yourself truly, and grow." "

>Angulus recites:

"And Kore was filled with knowledge.
And the knowledge changed her. "

>Angulus recites:

"On the earth, Demeter searched for Kore.
She looked under every rock,
She dived into every sea,
She spoke to the flame,
She rode on the winds."

>Angulus recites:

"At last Athena came to her and said,
"Your daughter has gone into the Underworld." "

>Angulus recites:

"Demeter wailed, and wept for Kore.
She put aside her green robes
And veiled herself in mourning.
And the earth grew dark and barren with her grief."

>Angulus removes a black candle from his faded canvas satchel.
>Angulus lights a black candle.
>Angulus raises his black candle high above his head!
>Angulus recites:

"At last Athena went to the cave,
And descended to the Underworld.
And there she spoke with Kore,
And begged her to return. "

>Angulus recites:

"Her love of her mother,
And love of the earth persuaded her to return.
And so she went with Athena back to the earth. "

>Angulus recites:

"Demeter was overjoyed to see her daughter.
They embraced, and kissed. "

>Angulus recites:

"But then Kore told her mother how she had changed.
And she said,"I must return,
For I have been within.
I am Queen of the Underworld." "

>Angulus recites:

"Demeter begged her daughter to stay.
Kore, relenting, agreed"

>Angulus recites:

"That six months of every year she would stay with her mother,
And the earth would be fruitful."

>Angulus recites:

"And six months of every year she would return to the Underworld,
And the earth would be barren until she returned. "

>Angulus recites:

"And this is why we have winter.
For Demeter veils her face when Kore, called Persephone,
Returns to the Underworld each year. "

>Angulus snuffs out a black candle.
>Angulus puts a black candle on the ground.
>Angulus removes a green candle from his faded canvas satchel.
>Angulus lights a green candle.
>Angulus recites:

"But now is the time to rejoice!
Persephone is returned,
The earth is becoming warm again,
And the grain is growing again. "

>Angulus sings:

"Persephone has returned!
The light has returned!
The warmth has returned! "

>(Angulus turns toward the alter)
>Angulus removes some spring flowers from his belt pouch.
>Angulus raises his spring flowers high above his head!
>Angulus offers some spring flowers to Persephone, placing the flowers on the ground.
>Angulus exclaims, "we welcome you back to this world, Persephone!"
>Angulus removes a black rose from his belt pouch.
>The scent of honey fills the air as Persephone gazes, delighted, at the assemblage.
>Angulus raises his black rose high above his head!
>Angulus offers a black rose to Persephone, placing the rose on the ground.
>Angulus exclaims, "We thank you Hades, Lord of the Underworld for returning her to us again!"
>Angulus bows.
>(Angulus turns back to face the gathered crowd)
>Angulus exclaims, "Spring is returned!"
>Angulus bows.
>Angulus removes some spring flowers from his belt pouch.
>Angulus offers some spring flowers to Persephone, placing the flowers on the ground.
>Angulus kneels down.
>Angulus utters a few quiet prayers.
>Angulus stands up.

{Travel to Shrine of Hestia}

[Shrine of Hestia]
Built by the innkeepers to honor Hestia, this small shrine boasts only a simple thatch roof. Its walls are the lavender and thyme shrubs that enclose it, its floor a soft carpet of chamomile ready to release its apple-like scent when bruised. A raised hearth with a simple clay urn at one side dominates the shelter with a statue of Hestia standing at its rear. In the center of the hearth a small fire burns, a stack of wood nearby to replenish its flame when it falters.
Also here: Apollonius, Angulus, Heartsong, Maerrie, Aleister, Lindy, Posidea, Hyzenthlay, Scheherazade, Trinta, Cydara, Phalo, Greymar, Llorien, Gabit, Skorche, Jessaka, Udranna, Pickoer, Gimli, Ingonish, Swifthawk, Areseon and Goldenmane.
Obvious exits: out.
>Scheherazade says, "ok, I don't have much, just a small poem"
>Scheherazade smiles.
>Scheherazade recites:

"Calm and silent Goddess, I see you sit
Before a fireplace and calmly knit."

>Scheherazade recites:

"You sing a song of warmth, of peace and joy
And all around your feet a girl and boy
Play games that children love. You set aside
Your work and join their games, they smile wide.

And round about the room a circle glows
With gentle warmth of home it blocks out woes.
Hail Hestia Sweet, we adore You,
We sleep within Your arms, O Hail to You!"

>Scheherazade grins.
>Scheherazade says, "see, short and sweet"
>Scheherazade says, "wish I'd had more time, but a simple poem is fitting for a simple goddess"
>The small fire flares briefly as Hestia proudly beams at everyone.


Athens Spring Equinox Procession (page 4)

{Travel to Shrine of Demeter} [Shrine of Demeter] The shrine is a small and simple one, built by the well-respected mill owner for himself and his family. Some of the more devout mill workers worship here also. Light from the large, open doorway highlights the plain statue of Demeter fashioned from kiln-fired clay. Her wooden throne is painted green and carved with ears of barley. A small bouquet of fresh, red-flowered poppies lies in her lap. Also here: Apollonius, Areseon, Angulus, Heartsong, Maerrie, Aleister, Lindy, Posidea, Hyzenthlay, Scheherazade, Trinta, Cydara, Phalo, Greymar, Llorien, Gabit, Skorche, Jessaka and Goldenmane. Obvious exits: out. >Becca gazes around at her surroundings. >Becca smiles at Greymar. >Becca says, "When I was a child, I learned this story. The Mothers told it to call the blessing of Demeter to my mind. May it call the blessings of Demeter to your minds as well." >Becca kneels down. >Becca removes a loaf of wheat bread from her jade green sack. >Becca raises her wheat bread high above her head! >Becca sings: "Demeter, all Hail! Nurse of many, giver of full measure!" >Becca says, "This is the story of Demeter, Persephone and of the coming of Spring. You all know this tale, so my telling is more of the happenings in Demeter's heart, as told to me by the Mothers." >Becca says, "One summery day, Persephone was gathering the flowers of the field. Persephone was innocent and fair and too young to worry of men. That was how it should have been. But as Persephone was plucking flowers, the earth opened up around her and Hades carried her away to the Underworld." >Becca says, "The cries of Persephone echoed in Blessed Demeter's heart, and though Demeter was a Goddess yet none of the earth could tell her what had happened to her daughter. The Gods themselves were unable to help Demeter." >Becca says, "And so, in grief and rage, torn in heart and soul, Demeter turned her back on the Gods and Men." >(Becca savagely rips the loaf of bread she is holding into two ragged halves! With a terrible keening wail she collapses, slumping forward on her knees.) >(Becca straightens slowly, and with unsteady hands methodically tears and crumbles her bread, allowing the destroyed remnants to fall into the jade green sack open by her lap.) >Becca says, "The earth withered in despair, wilting and dying at Demeter's grieving steps. Great Olympus itself fell silent from shame." >Becca says, "Finally, wrapped in the guise of an old woman, Demeter sat herself upon a stone and would no doubt have turned to stone herself but for a small touch of kindness." >(Becca gazes at her hands, as if in surpise to see her loaf of bread crumbled and destroyed.) >Becca tosses aside her bread. >Becca says, "A young girl saw Demeter sitting in the shadows, lost in sorrow. By awful fate, the girl's family was itself seeped in terrible grief. The girl knew that soon her young brother would be dead of fever." >Becca says, "Yet despite her own grief, the girl recognized the despair in the old Lady's heart, and offered her the comfort of a few kind words. The Father of the girl then saw the old Lady also, and reaching past the bleakness of his pain, he offered her a place with them." >Becca says, "Not a happy place, or a place of solutions, but one of sharing the grief that we all must bear." >Becca says, "This kindness fell upon Demeter's withered heart like the the first soft rain of spring, and so She went with the man and his daughter to their home." >Becca says, "While nothing could really touch Demeter's grief, she was a still a Goddess. The pain of the family was so much like her own and yet.. it was something that she could solve. And so, she took up the small sick boy that she found and cured him of his disease." >Becca sings: "Demeter, all Hail! Nurse of many, giver of full measure!" >Becca says, "The healing had begun. Zeus was feeling pretty shameful of the plots of the Gods, and so in the end Persephone was allowed to return to Demeter's side. By trickery, Persephone did have to return to Hades for part of each year, and so we now have Winter." >Becca exclaims, "What matters here are the blessings of Demeter, for when Persephone returned to her Mother, the barren earth burst into flower! The world and mankind, and the heart of Demeter, were renewed in joyous spring!" >Becca says, "This lesson that Demeter endured for us continues. The world turns it's cycle of growth and withering and death, and we all must wait through long winters for renewal." >Becca sings: "Hail Goddess! Keep all this city safe in prosperity and abundance. Bring in the harvest, Nourish peace also, so that he who sows may reap. Have mercy on me thrice-prayed to Queen. Demeter, all Hail! Nurse of many, giver of full measure!" >Becca says, "Let the kindness and hope of Demeter's story touch your hearts. May it guide your kindness to others. May you allow the small comforts offered to you by others to grow within your heart." >Becca removes a loaf of wheat bread from her jade green sack. >Becca raises her wheat bread high above her head! >Becca utters a few quiet prayers. >Becca stands up. >(Becca quietly goes to take her place in the crowd.) >Demeter smiles and says, "This is my favorite time of the year. Thank you for honoring me." >Becca offers a loaf of wheat bread to Demeter, placing the bread on the ground. >Becca utters a few quiet prayers. {Travel to Athens, Rose Garden} [Athens, Rose Garden] Rosebushes drooping beneath a fragrant burden of creamy white blossoms surround a plot of soft grass which supports a statue of the goddess Persephone. There is an almost ethereal quality about the small statue which has been carved from a block of transluscent pink quartz. The young goddess stands with one hand held up at the height of her waist, a brass pomegranate resting in the palm, while the other hand is raised in cupped position toward the sky. You also see an opening in the hedgerow that encircles the garden. Also here: Apollonius, Areseon, Angulus, Heartsong, Maerrie, Aleister, Lindy, Posidea, Hyzenthlay, Scheherazade, Trinta, Cydara, Phalo, Greymar, Llorien, Gabit, Skorche, Jessaka, Udranna, Pickoer, Gimli, Ingonish, Swifthawk and Goldenmane. Obvious paths: none. >(Angulus walks up to the alter) >Angulus says, "for those not familiar, in this recitation, Persephone will be refered to as Kore in the early parts" >Angulus kneels down. >Angulus says, "I ask your blessing, Persephone upon this gathering." >Angulus utters a few quiet prayers. >Angulus stands up. >(Angulus turns to the citizens of Athens) >Angulus recites: "Long, long ago, there was no winter. Summer ruled the Earth as Mother Demeter watched lovingly over her daughter Kore. " >Angulus recites: "All people knew her and loved her as the Grain Mother. There was no hunger and no one was ever cold. " >Angulus recites: "Kore ran in the fields of the earth safe under her mother's loving eye. And for a long, long time She knew no other world." >Angulus recites: "But all things change, and so did Kore. She felt something within her, An urge to know more, to grow. " >Angulus recites: "And so she approached the cave That led to the Underworld." Angulus recites: "When she came to the Underworld,Kore found a mirror. She looked within, and saw herself, yet not the child she knew." >Angulus recites: "She saw an old woman, With a lined face and silver hair, Who looked at her with knowledge in her eyes. " >Angulus recites: "And the old woman said,"Kore, you must change. all things must change. You must look within and know yourself truly, and grow." " >Angulus recites: "And Kore was filled with knowledge. And the knowledge changed her. " >Angulus recites: "On the earth, Demeter searched for Kore. She looked under every rock, She dived into every sea, She spoke to the flame, She rode on the winds." >Angulus recites: "At last Athena came to her and said, "Your daughter has gone into the Underworld." " >Angulus recites: "Demeter wailed, and wept for Kore. She put aside her green robes And veiled herself in mourning. And the earth grew dark and barren with her grief." >Angulus removes a black candle from his faded canvas satchel. >Angulus lights a black candle. >Angulus raises his black candle high above his head! >Angulus recites: "At last Athena went to the cave, And descended to the Underworld. And there she spoke with Kore, And begged her to return. " >Angulus recites: "Her love of her mother, And love of the earth persuaded her to return. And so she went with Athena back to the earth. " >Angulus recites: "Demeter was overjoyed to see her daughter. They embraced, and kissed. " >Angulus recites: "But then Kore told her mother how she had changed. And she said,"I must return, For I have been within. I am Queen of the Underworld." " >Angulus recites: "Demeter begged her daughter to stay. Kore, relenting, agreed" >Angulus recites: "That six months of every year she would stay with her mother, And the earth would be fruitful." >Angulus recites: "And six months of every year she would return to the Underworld, And the earth would be barren until she returned. " >Angulus recites: "And this is why we have winter. For Demeter veils her face when Kore, called Persephone, Returns to the Underworld each year. " >Angulus snuffs out a black candle. >Angulus puts a black candle on the ground. >Angulus removes a green candle from his faded canvas satchel. >Angulus lights a green candle. >Angulus recites: "But now is the time to rejoice! Persephone is returned, The earth is becoming warm again, And the grain is growing again. " >Angulus sings: "Persephone has returned! The light has returned! The warmth has returned! " >(Angulus turns toward the alter) >Angulus removes some spring flowers from his belt pouch. >Angulus raises his spring flowers high above his head! >Angulus offers some spring flowers to Persephone, placing the flowers on the ground. >Angulus exclaims, "we welcome you back to this world, Persephone!" >Angulus removes a black rose from his belt pouch. >The scent of honey fills the air as Persephone gazes, delighted, at the assemblage. >Angulus raises his black rose high above his head! >Angulus offers a black rose to Persephone, placing the rose on the ground. >Angulus exclaims, "We thank you Hades, Lord of the Underworld for returning her to us again!" >Angulus bows. >(Angulus turns back to face the gathered crowd) >Angulus exclaims, "Spring is returned!" >Angulus bows. >Angulus removes some spring flowers from his belt pouch. >Angulus offers some spring flowers to Persephone, placing the flowers on the ground. >Angulus kneels down. >Angulus utters a few quiet prayers. >Angulus stands up. {Travel to Shrine of Hestia} [Shrine of Hestia] Built by the innkeepers to honor Hestia, this small shrine boasts only a simple thatch roof. Its walls are the lavender and thyme shrubs that enclose it, its floor a soft carpet of chamomile ready to release its apple-like scent when bruised. A raised hearth with a simple clay urn at one side dominates the shelter with a statue of Hestia standing at its rear. In the center of the hearth a small fire burns, a stack of wood nearby to replenish its flame when it falters. Also here: Apollonius, Angulus, Heartsong, Maerrie, Aleister, Lindy, Posidea, Hyzenthlay, Scheherazade, Trinta, Cydara, Phalo, Greymar, Llorien, Gabit, Skorche, Jessaka, Udranna, Pickoer, Gimli, Ingonish, Swifthawk, Areseon and Goldenmane. Obvious exits: out. >Scheherazade says, "ok, I don't have much, just a small poem" >Scheherazade smiles. >Scheherazade recites: "Calm and silent Goddess, I see you sit Before a fireplace and calmly knit." >Scheherazade recites: "You sing a song of warmth, of peace and joy And all around your feet a girl and boy Play games that children love. You set aside Your work and join their games, they smile wide. And round about the room a circle glows With gentle warmth of home it blocks out woes. Hail Hestia Sweet, we adore You, We sleep within Your arms, O Hail to You!" >Scheherazade grins. >Scheherazade says, "see, short and sweet" >Scheherazade says, "wish I'd had more time, but a simple poem is fitting for a simple goddess" >The small fire flares briefly as Hestia proudly beams at everyone.


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